NOTICE TO ALL CITIZENS OF WAYNE TOWNSHIP, ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA

POOR RELIEF ASSISTANCE STANDARDS, ELIGIBILITY, AND PROCEDURES

(adopted by the Board July 2006)

 

 

1.00.00            OFFICE HOURS:       8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Monday thru Friday

 

OFFICE ADDRESS:   320 East Superior Street

Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802

 

TRUSTEE:                   Matthew P. Schomburg

 

 

 

 

 

Contents                Index        

   

1.00.01 TELEPHONE LISTING - (Phone number [260] 449-7000).  The Township telephone number is listed in the "White Pages", under the Township's name.  The Township answering machine will answer your call when the office is closed, provide you with additional information, and record your message.  We will try to return your call within 24 hours (excluding weekends and Holidays).  (IC 12-20-5.5)

1.00.02 ASSISTANCE UPON NECESSITY -  Sec. 1. A township trustee, as administrator of poor relief, may provide and shall extend poor relief only when the personal effort of the poor relief applicant fails to provide one (1) or more basic necessities IC 12-20-16-1

 1.10.00 APPLICATIONS - An individual desiring to make an initial application for assistance from the Township should call to make arrangements.  Individuals will be informed of the services available and the criteria used to determine eligibility.  They will be given a list of the documents and/or information needed to complete an application and affidavit (see Schedule A).  It is the ultimate responsibility of the applicant and/or members of applicant's household to furnish all necessary documentation.  Except under special emergency conditions, no poor relief will be granted at any time except by a personal request at the Trustee's office.

Wayne Township has developed an alphabetical application schedule as listed below.  The first letter of the client’s last name determines his or her letter day.

 

A thru F            MONDAY

G thru L            TUESDAY

M thru R            WEDNESDAY

S thru Z            THURSDAY

FRIDAY - EMERGENCY (APPOINTMENTS ONLY)

 Letter days do not apply when requesting medical, burial or food assistance only.  Availability of personnel and time constraints may necessitate the re-scheduling of walk-in clients.

 1.10.01 RECERTIFICATION - During the 180 day period that the application is in effect, there may be several different requests for assistance and eligibility may change during that time.  Therefore, the Township Trustee may not extend additional or continuing aid to an individual or a household unless the individual or household files an affidavit (see Schedule B) with the request for assistance affirming how, if at all, the personal condition of the individual or the household has changed from that set forth in the individual's or household's most recent application.   (IC 12-20-6-1 (d))

 1.20.00 COOPERATION - All household members 18 years of age and older will be required to sign the "APPLICATION FOR RELIEF - FORM PR-1" and any other form, instrument or document required by law, or determined necessary by the trustee (IC 12-20-6-8).  Individuals pending a determination for Supplemental Security Income benefits will be required to sign a Social Security Reimbursement Authorization form (see Schedule C) for interim assistance reimbursement.  They must also consent to a disclosure and release for information about the applicant and the applicant's household before poor relief may be provided (IC 12-20-7-1).  This application is effective for 180 days.  Applicants will be required to complete the application by their own hand.  If applicants cannot read, or has difficulty completing this process, they may have a friend or relative assist them.  The household will be required to cooperate with an investigation of all finances, family responsibilities, and their eligibility to receive other types of governmental assistance.  The investigation may include a home visit and/or contact with their relatives who may be able and willing to assist them.  (IC 12-20-6-9 (9)) and (IC 12-20-6-10 (b)).  A "relative" is defined as the parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, or step grandchild of a poor relief applicant.

 1.30.00  APPLICATION REVIEW - In a case of emergency, the Trustee shall accept and promptly act upon a completed application from an individual requesting assistance.  In a non-emergency request for poor relief assistance, the Trustee shall act on the application not later than seventy-two (72) hours after receiving the application, excluding weekends and legal holidays.  Unusual circumstances (e.g. incomplete information) concerning the household may necessitate an additional seventy-two (72) hour period, which will be called "pending" and reasons will be given that assistance was "pended". The Trustee may also grant or deny assistance. (IC 12-20-6-7)

 1.30.01  REFERRALS - If the Trustee authorizes poor relief assistance on an emergency basis and refers the applicant or a member of the applicant's household to make application for another governmental program, the client has fifteen (15) working days after the date the poor relief is authorized to make application for public assistance and comply with all the requirements necessary for completing the application process.  An applicant or member of the household who fails to file an application will NOT be granted poor relief assistance for sixty (60) days following the grant of poor relief assistance on an emergency basis.  (IC 12-20-6-5)

 1.30.02  NON-EMERGENCY REFERRALS - If, before granting poor relief (not on an emergency basis), the Township determines that an applicant or a member of an applicant's household may be eligible for public assistance other than poor relief, the applicant or household member shall make an application and comply with all necessary requirements for completing the application process for public assistance administered by {1} the Division of Family and Children and county offices; {2} any other federal or state governmental entity, within fifteen (15) working days after the Township's referral, or poor relief assistance will be denied for sixty (60) days.  (IC 12-20-6-5-5)

 1.30.03  NOTICE OF ACTION - The applicant will be given a written notice of the Township’s decision.  If assistance is granted, whether wholly or partially, the amount and type of assistance will be noted in writing.  If assistance is denied, the reasons for the denial will be stated, along with the type and amount of assistance denied.  The denial notice will be on FORM PR1A (see Schedule D).  This will inform the applicant of their right to appeal the Trustee's decision not more than fifteen (15) days from the date of issuance by the Trustee.  This appeal must be made in writing or orally to the Office of the Allen County Commissioner's City County Building.    The PR1A may be presented to the applicant or sent to them, at their last known address.   (IC 12-20-6-8) and (IC 12-20-15-2).

1.40.00  DENIALS - Denial of assistance is automatic for one or more of the following reasons:

1.40.01  Falsifying application/affidavit and/or providing false information to gain assistance.  This includes, but is not limited to, failure to report income, or under reporting income.  If the Trustee finds that an individual has obtained poor relief from any township by these actions or means of conduct described in IC 35-43-5-7 (Welfare Fraud), the Trustee may refuse to extend aid for sixty (60) days.  (IC 12-20-6-6.5)

1.40.02  Failure to actively seek employment and/or accept gainful employment when offered, whether the compensation for the work will be payable in money, house rent, or in commodities consisting of the necessities of  life.  The Trustee may refuse to extend aid for sixty (60) days.  The Trustee will require applicants or any member of the applicant's household to furnish documented evidence that they are actively seeking employment by completing an employment form (see Schedules E).  Willful failure to return employment forms will result in denial.                                  (IC 12-20-10-1) and (IC 12-20-10-2)

 1.40.03 An applicant, or an adult member of an applicant's household, voluntarily terminating gainful employment, or being involuntarily terminated for just cause, or failure to pass a potential employer’s drug screening test.  The Trustee shall not be obligated to provide poor relief benefits to or for an applicant's household for a period of sixty (60) days.  (IC 12-7-2-200.5)

1.40.04  Failure to accept adequate, free or low cost shelter arrangements provided by relatives or others.  Denial will be up to sixty (60) days.  (IC 12-7-2-200.5)

1.40.05  A denial will be given for shelter assistance to an otherwise eligible individual if the:  {1} individual's most recent residence was provided by the individual's parent, guardian, or foster parent; and {2} individual, without just cause (as determined by the Trustee), leaves that residence for the shelter for which the individual seeks assistance.  (IC 12-20-16-17 (g))

1.40.06 Excess income as established by these guidelines (see Schedule F)

1.40.07  Failure of an applicant or applicant's household to participate in a work training program offered by a federal, state, or local government entity or Act, or nonprofit agency (IC 12-20-12-1).  The Trustee is not obligated to an applicant or to provide assistance to adult members of an applicant's household who is a full-time student (IC 12-20-10-1).

1.40.08  Failure of an applicant or applicant's household, within fifteen (15) working days of the Trustee referral, to make and complete the application process for other governmental programs for which they may qualify or failure to participate or comply, after being referred by the Township, in a program offered by any other public or private agency.  Denial up to sixty (60) days.  (IC 12-20-6-5) and (IC 12-20-6-5.5).

1.40.09  Violence, threats of violence, or abusive language used in or around the Trustee office or premises.  The Trustee will also not provide assistance to an individual who at the time assistance is requested is: {1} under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or {2} incapable of self-care. Furthermore, the Trustee may, at no cost to the Township, refer an individual described above, to an appropriate agency or facility located in the county or in an adjoining county that has a program or charter specifically addressing the programs of substance abuse, mental illness, or self-care. (IC 12-20-7-2 (f))

 1.40.10  Wasting resources which could and should have been applied to the household's basic necessities.

 "Wasted Resources”, for purposes of 12-20, means:

   (1) the amount of money or resources expended by an applicant or adult member of an applicant’s household seeking township assistance during the thirty (30) days before the date of application for township assistance for items or services that are not basic necessities;

   (2) income, resources, or tax supported services lost or reduced as a result of a voluntary act during the sixty (60) days before the date of application for township assistance by an adult member of an applicant’s household unless the adult member can establish a good reason for the act; or

   (3) lump sum amounts of money or resources from tax refunds, lawsuits, inheritances, or pension payments of at least four hundred dollars (400) that are expended by:

     (A) an applicant seeking township assistance; or

     (B) an adult member of the applicant’s household;

during the one hundred eighty (180) days immediately preceding the date of application for township assistance for items or services that are not basic necessities if, at the time of the expenditure, there were amounts due and owing for items or services constituting basic necessities. (IC 12-7-2-200.5)

 1.40.11  Being evicted from subsidized housing for violation of regulations and/or guidelines: voluntarily terminating housing assistance without just cause (as established by the Township Trustee), eviction from present living quarters because of an act which caused verifiable damage to a rental unit by the applicant or any adult member of the applicant's household, or the applicant invites or allows other adults to use or move into their household.  (IC 12-7-2-200.5)

 1.40.12  Failure to liquidate non-essential assets within the prescribed time frame (60 days).

 1.40.13  Refusing to sign the required "Reimbursement Authorization" form for poor relief services received during the interim period an individual is awaiting a determination of eligibility from the Social Security Administration for Supplemental Security Income benefits.  (IC 12-20-27-1.5)

 1.40.14  Failure to complete assigned Workfare or to comply with the Workfare requirements as outlined by these standards (see 2.10.00 - 2.10-08).  Denial may be for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days.  (IC 12-20-11-1 (h))

 1.40.15  Failure to complete and maintain monthly report forms as required by governmental programs offering assistance for the basic necessities of living; failure to make application; or not cooperating with the agency by doing everything necessary to qualify and maintain public assistance.  Denial up to sixty (60) days.  (IC 12-20-6-1)

 1.40.16  Failure to cooperate with, or to provide the Trustee's office with the necessary information for determining eligibility.  (IC 12-20-6-1) 

 1.40.17  Making an assignment of or transferring assets, by an applicant or another member of an applicant's household, to make a household eligible for poor relief during the sixty (60) days immediately prior to the date of the filing of an affidavit and application for poor relief.             (IC 12-7-2-200.5)

1.40.18  Rep orting the loss or theft of money under questionable circumstances, (as determined by the Trustee).

1.40.19  Failure to file paternity actions when necessary and appropriate, or failing to take the necessary legal action to pursue child support.  (IC 12-14-2-24)

1.40.20  Failure of the applicant or a member of an applicant's household to apply "one time" monetary awards toward the household's monthly basic need expenses.  One time monetary awards may include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:  Energy Assistance, retroactive Social Security payments, Workmen's Compensation, inheritances, pensions, insurance settlements, income tax returns, or any cash award.  (IC 12-20-16-1)

 1.40.21  Moving into or coming to the Township for the specific purpose of applying for and/or receiving Township poor relief services.

1.40.22  The Township will not extend aid to a poor relief applicant or any member of an applicant's household, except for burial assistance, if any member of that household has been denied assistance or sanctioned by the local office of Family and Social Services Administration for non-compliance.  (IC 12-7-2-200.5)

1.40.23  If a person is convicted of an offense under IC 35-43-5-7 (Welfare Fraud), the Trustee will not extend aid to or for the benefit of the individual for the following periods:  one (1) year if convicted of a misdemeanor; ten (10) years if convicted of a felony.  (IC 12-20-6-6.5)  A person who is convicted of poor relief fraud is denied poor relief assistance for thirty (30) years.   (IC 12-20-1-4D)

 1.40.24  A Trustee may not extend aid to or for the benefit of an individual (or household in which that individual resides) if that aid would pay for goods or services provided to or for the benefit of the individual during a period that the individual has previously applied for and been denied Township poor relief.  (IC 12-20-6-6.6)

 1.50.00  INCOME DEFINED - "Countable income" means a monetary amount either paid to an applicant or a member of an applicant's household not more than thirty (30) days before the date of application for poor relief, or accrued and legally available for withdrawal by an applicant or member of an applicant's household at the time of application or not more than thirty (30) days after the date of application for poor relief.  The term includes the following: (IC 12-7-2-44.7)

 1)        Gross wages before mandatory deductions

2)        Social Security benefits, including Supplemental Security Income.

3)        Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF)

4)        Unemployment compensation

5)        Worker's compensation (except compensation that is restricted for the payment of medical expenses).

6)        Vacation pay

7)        Sick benefits

8)        Strike benefits

9)        Private or public pensions

10)    Taxable income from self-employment

11)    Bartered goods and services provided by another individual for the payment of non-essential needs on behalf of an applicant or an applicant's household if monetary compensation or the provision of basic necessities would have been reasonably available from that individual.

12)    Child support

13)    Gifts of cash, goods or services

14)    Private or public loans as accountable income (loans; personal or commercial).

15)    Other sources of revenue or services that the Trustee may reasonable determine to be countable income; such as (but not limited to) tax refunds and any "one time" monetary award(s) or settlements.  

 1.50.01  COUNTABLE INCOME - An applicant's and members of an applicant's household's "countable income" will be used to determine eligibility.  Income guidelines to be used for determining the eligibility of a given household may be found on Schedule G.  The Township shall provide necessary aid only when it does not violate any state or federal law.

 1.60.00 ELIGIBILITY (TANF) – The trustee has no obligation to extend aid to a recipient of TANF assistance under IC 12-14-1 through IC 12-14-9.

 1.70.0        RECEIPTS - When an applicant applies for poor relief assistance, both initially and on a continuing month-by-month basis, all members of the household must verify how their income was expended.  Hand-written receipts provided by friends or relatives are considered unacceptable, unless notarized.  Only receipts for the basic necessities of living will be recognized.  Receipts from expenditures for court related expenses, such as:  attorney fees, probationary fees, drug and Alcohol program fees, fines, court costs, bail, user fees for an In-home Detention program, restitution, judgments, or any other expenditures directly or indirectly associated with the applicant or a member of the applicant’s household because of their involvement with the courts will not be recognized as a legitimate expense.  Expenditures for items not considered "basic necessities" will be considered "wasted resources".  Expenditures undocumented by receipts will be counted as unexpended income.  Each household will be required to submit a monthly Household Budget Form (see Schedule G).  (IC 12-7-2-200.5)

 1.70.01  BASIC NECESSITIES DEFINED - "Basic necessities" includes those services or items essential to meet the minimum standards of health, safety, and decency, including the following: {1} medical care described in IC 12-20-16-2; {2} clothing and footwear; {3} food; {4} shelter; {5} household essentials; {6} essential utility services; {7}other services or items the Trustee determines are necessities.  (IC 12-7-2-20.5)

 1.80.00  COUNTABLE ASSETS - Households requesting assistance must also report all assets belonging to any member of the household.  Countable assets are non-cash property that is not necessary for the health, safety, or decent living standard of a household; which are owned wholly or in part by the applicant or a member of the applicant's household, and the applicant or the household member has the legal right to sell or liquidate.  Countable assets include; real property other than property that is the primary residence of the household, savings and checking accounts, certificates of deposit, bonds, stocks, or other intangibles that have a net cash value, boats, other vehicles or any other personal property used solely for recreational or entertainment purposes.  (IC 12-7-2-44.6) and (IC 12-20-7-3.5).

 1.90.00  LIQUIDATION - All members of the household will be expected to liquidate any of the "countable assets" listed in 1.80.00, or other unnecessary items of a similar nature, as soon as possible, but no longer than sixty (60) days from the date that their initial application is filed. However; nonessential assets purchased by any member of a household after having applied for poor relief, must be liquidated immediately before further assistance can be authorized.

 1.90.01  EXEMPTIONS - Assets which are exempt from liquidation will include one house OR mobile home in which the household resides, and one automobile, so long as the equity does not jeopardize the household from qualifying for other state or federal assistance programs.  Whenever the poor relief funds are used directly or indirectly to pay the household's mortgage payment, the Township may place a lien (see Schedule I) against the property in order to recover the equity value of such payments after the property has been sold.

 2.00.00  EMPLOYMENT -  If an applicant and/or any member of the applicant's household is in good health, the Trustee shall require that those able to labor shall seek employment.  The Trustee shall refuse to furnish any poor relief assistance until the Trustee is satisfied that the poor relief applicant or members of the applicant's household is endeavoring to find work.  Furthermore, if the applicant or household member is offered employment, regardless of whether the compensation is in the form of money, rent, or other necessities, or refuses employment at a reasonable compensation offered by any other individual, governmental agency, or employer; the Trustee shall not furnish assistance to the applicant until they perform the work or show just cause for not performing the work.  All able-bodied adult members of the household will, at a minimum, be required to keep their employment card updated with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and be willing (registered) to accept employment at the federal minimum wage level. The Trustee will also require all adult members of an applicant's household to complete ten (10) employment referrals and submit them to the Trustee on a monthly basis.  (IC 12-20-10-1) and (IC 12-20-10-2)

 2.00.01  MEDICAL EXEMPTION FROM WORK  - If an applicant or a member of an applicant's household claims an inability to work due to health, the Trustee may require a current physician's statement indicating whether the applicant or household member is able to perform work.  (IC 12-20-10-3.5)

 2.10.00  WORKFARE  -  The Trustee shall obligate any adult member of a household receiving poor relief to participate in Workfare.  Suitability to perform available work shall be determined by the Trustee.  (IC 12-20-10-3.5) and (IC 12-20-11-1) The Trustee shall require any adult member of a recipient household to do any work needed to be done within the township or an adjoining township in any other county for any non-profit agency or governmental unit, including the state, having jurisdiction in those townships  (IC 12-20-11-1)

 2.10.02  WORKFARE CRITERIA - Minimum criteria for satisfactory participation in the Workfare program is 16 hours per week, unless otherwise scheduled or excused by the Trustee.  Unexcused absences for scheduled Workfare assignments, or not following through with all requirements, will result in the reduction or discontinuance of poor relief assistance for one-hundred eighty (180) days.  Workfare guidelines (see Schedule H) will be discussed with each Workfare recipient, they will sign and receive a copy.  Any Workfare obligations incurred in another township will be carried forward to the gaining township, unless the applicant or household member failed to comply with the former township's guidelines for Workfare participation, at which point they will be denied.  (IC 12-20-11-1) and (IC 12-20-11-4)

 2.10.03  WORKFARE PARTICIPATION - The recipient is required to maintain the minimum criteria that are necessary for the fulfillment of his/her work detail responsibility until such time as his/her obligation with the Township is satisfied.  Recipients shall not be permitted to voluntarily work in advance of receiving poor relief assistance in order to accrue work detail credit.  It is the sole responsibility of the recipient to meet the criteria of Workfare participation.  In satisfying this obligation, only the recipient or members of the recipient household shall be allowed to perform the required work.

 2.10.04  WORKFARE COMPENSATION - Work performed is considered a satisfaction of a condition for poor relief and is not considered as services performed for remuneration or as repayment for poor relief assistance.  The recipient shall be required to do an amount of work that equals the value of assistance already received by his/her household.  The recipient shall receive credit for the work performed as assigned by the Trustee at a rate not less than the federal minimum wage. (IC 12-20-11-1 (c)) and (IC 12-20-11-5)

 2.10.05  WORKFARE EXCEPTIONS - Recipients may be excused from Workfare only for the following reasons:  (IC 12-20-11 (a))

 a)                  The obligated individual(s) is not physically able to perform the proposed work and provides medical evidence.

b)                  The obligated individual is a minor or is at least sixty-five (65) years of age.

c)                  The obligated individual has full-time employment at the time the recipient receives poor relief.

d)                  The obligated individual is needed to care for an individual as a result of the individual's age or physical condition.

e)                  The Trustee determines that there is no work available for any adult member of the recipient's household.

f)                    The individual obligated to perform work is, at the direction of the Trustee, attending educational or self-help courses.

 2.10.06  WORKFARE RESTRICTIONS - A recipient shall not be assigned to work which would result in the displacement of governmental employees or in the reduction of hours worked by those employees (IC 12-20-11-1 (g))

 2.10.07  WORKFARE WORKER'S COMPENSATION - The Township will carry medical and burial coverage on all individuals performing work under the provisions of IC 22-3-2 and      IC 22-3-6.  (IC 12-20-11-5 (a))

 2.10.08  WORKFARE REIMBURSEMENT - The Trustee may not seek federal or state reimbursement, foreclose a lien, or otherwise seek re-payment of assistance for which a recipient or an adult member of the recipient's household has satisfactorily completed a Workfare requirement.   (IC 12-20-11-5 (b))

 2.20.00  FOOD ORDER ALLOTMENTS -  Food allotments provided to an eligible household, are determined by the household size and other criteria as established by these standards.  Food orders can only be purchased directly from a combined grocery and meat market.  The food allotment each household may receive is contained in Schedule I.  The Trustee will administer poor relief allotments on a weekly basis. (IC 12-20-16-5)

 2.20.01  FOOD ORDER LIMITATIONS - It shall be unlawful for the Trustee to issue a food purchase order for more than thirty (30) days unless the individual filed an application with the Trustee that includes evidence of an application for food stamps with the Family and Social Services Administration and the amount of assistance received or the reason for denial of assistance.  The only conditions under which the Trustee may purchase food for an eligible food stamp family are: (IC 12-20-16-6) 

a)      During the interim period when an applicant or a household is awaiting a determination of eligibility from the food stamp office and ending not more than five (5) days after the day the applicant or household becomes eligible to participate in the federal food stamp program.  

b)      Upon loss of the family's food supply by spoilage, fire or the act(s) of nature.  

c)      Upon a written statement from a physician indicating that at least one (1) member of the household needs a special diet, the cost of which is greater than can be purchased with the household's allotment of food stamps.  

2.20.03  NON-FOOD ITEMS - Necessary household supplies which is referred to as "paper products" will be administered according to the table found in Schedule K.  Other household necessities may be furnished by the Township when a need is determined.  (IC 12-7-2-20.5)

2.30.00  SHELTER - The Township shall provide aid in whatever form is necessary to provide shelter or prevent the loss of shelter so long as such aid constitutes the most economical and practical method of relieving the applicant and does not violate any state of federal law.  Shelter payments for safe and decent housing will be based on the fair market value in Wayne Township and will comply with the amounts contained in Schedule J.  Clients will not be denied shelter assistance merely because they are buying their home.  However; the amount paid on behalf of a client may not exceed the shelter allowance standards contained in Schedule L, and must still meet the test of being the "most economical and practical" method of relieving the applicant. 

2.30.01  SHELTER DEFINED - "Shelter" means a house, a mobile home, an apartment, a group of rooms, or a single room that is occupied or is intended for occupancy as separate living quarters where the occupant or intended occupant: {1} does not live and eat with any other individual in the building; and {2}has direct access to the occupant's living quarters from the outside of the building or through a common hall.  Exceptions to the definition of "shelter" may include, temporary group homes and/or shelters.  (IC 12-7-2-177) and (IC 12-20-17-2)

2.30.02  SHELTER DOCUMENTATION - Whenever an applicant requests assistance from the Trustee's office, a written information statement from the landlord (called “Shelter Verification Affidavit” - see Schedule K) will be required.  This statement will include the full name of the landlord (and the landlord's agent, if applicable), and a mailing address and telephone number for the landlord, as well as other data necessary to determine the eligibility of the household for poor relief assistance.  The statement will indicate whether the landlord will (or will not) accept payment from the Trustee's office for shelter, the amount of rent to be charged, the due date, what appliances are furnished, what utilities are provided, and the number of individuals residing in the household.  The landlord must agree not to evict the applicant during the period covered by the Township's purchase order.  The lease must be in the name of an adult member of the applicant's household and a copy of the lease furnished to the Trustee. The Township will not consider shelter assistance to an otherwise eligible applicant if the applicant's lease is signed by an individual who does not reside in the household.

 2.30.03  SHELTER RESIDENCY - It is necessary for the Trustee to make some determination as to the applicant's living arrangements and whether they are physically living in the township, or whether they intend to make Wayne Township of Allen County their permanent place of residence.  In cases of emergency, however, the Trustee may provide temporary assistance to applicants who are temporarily in the township unless the applicant is specifically in the township for poor relief benefits.  This should not be interpreted or construed to mean that individuals living in the adjoining townships may come to Wayne Township for emergency shelter assistance or for help to move into Wayne Township.  The township in which they presently reside is still obligated to investigate the circumstances of the distressed person(s) and render whatever assistance is necessary. (IC 12-20-6-9 (1))

 2.30.04  SHELTER LIMITATIONS -  The Trustee will not use poor relief funds to pay the cost of an applicant's shelter with a relative who is the applicant's landlord if the applicant lives in:  {1} the same household as the relative; or {2}housing separate from the relative and either housing is unencumbered by mortgage, or the housing has not been previously rented by the relative to a different tenant at reasonable market rates for at least six (6) months.  (IC 12-20-6-10)  The Trustee will also not pay for shelter assistance for circumstances listed in 1.40.05 of these standards.  (IC 12-20-16-17 (g))  The Trustee will not use poor relief funds to or for the benefit of individuals residing at an address that has been deemed as used for illegal activities, or where the landlord resides at same address as the applicant.  Clients whose residences have been deemed as sites for use or sale of illicit narcotics or controlled dangerous substances, gambling, or prostitution will be denied further assistance for 180 days.

 2.30.05  SHELTER LIEN (RELATIVE) - If shelter payments are made to a relative of a poor relief applicant on behalf of the applicant or a member of the applicant's household, that are not in conflict with 2.30.04 of these Standards, the Trustee may file a lien against the relative's real property for the amount of poor relief shelter assistance granted.  (IC 12-20-6-10 (d))

 2.30.06 SHELTER LIEN (APPLICANT) - Applicants will not be denied shelter merely because they are buying their home.  However, the decision to provide a house payment will be based on whether it is the most economical and practical method of relieving the applicant.  In addition, if the applicant has equity in his/her real estate that could provide a means of repayment, the Trustee shall require the applicant to execute documents granting a lien against the real estate (See Schedule I).  The Township will not consider payment of second mortgages or loans for consolidated debt against the applicants shelter.

 2.30.07  SHELTER MOVING - Clients moving, within sixty (60) days immediately preceding their application for poor relief, from shelter provided by relative, or any form, kind, or type of subsidized shelter, will be declared ineligible for poor relief assistance due to wasting resources.  The burden of establishing good, just, and reasonable cause for having moved shall be upon the applicant.  (IC 12-7-2-200.5)

2.30.08  SHELTER EMERGENCY PROGRAMS - Emergency shelter assistance (shelter defined here as a facility that provides temporary emergency assistance) may be provided to an individual or household which has spent the prior night, or with the likelihood of spending the night in the immediate future, in an environment considered to be unsafe or unhealthy.  However, the Trustee is not obligated to enter into a contract with, or to pay shelter costs to, a shelter that is supported by federal or state funds.  (IC 12-20-17-2)

 2.30.09  SHELTER INSPECTION - The Trustee may employ the services of a housing inspector to inspect all housing units.  A Township housing inspector shall use HUD standards, local building codes, and municipal ordinances in determining a housing structure's suitability for habitation.  Substandard housing that does not meet minimum standards of health, safety, and construction is not eligible for shelter payments; or damage or security deposits paid from or encumbered by Township funds.  If the Trustee determines that a housing unit is substantially below minimum standards, the Trustee, when necessary, shall assist the applicant in obtaining appropriate alternate shelter. (IC 12-20-16-17) Housing eligible for WTTO consideration must meet minimum housing standards during each month of application.

 2.30.10  SHELTER DEPOSITS - The Trustee is not required to spend poor relief funds for a shelter damage or security deposit for an eligible poor relief applicant or household.  However, the Trustee may encumber money for a shelter damage or security deposit by making an agreement with a property owner who furnishes shelter for a poor relief recipient or household. If the Trustee would assist with a security deposit, it will not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) (see Schedule L).

The Trustee will not obligate poor relief funds for the payment of a damage or security deposit a second time after the Township has financially paid for damages caused by the applicant to the same or another landlord. The Trustee will also not obligate or encumber poor relief funds for the payment of shelter damage or security deposits for applicant already occupying a shelter unit.  The agreement will include, but not be limited to the following: (IC 12-20-16-17 (f))

a)                  The agreement's duration, not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days

b)                  A statement that the agreement may be renewed if both parties agree.

c)                  The total value of the encumbered money, not to exceed the value of one (1) month's rental payment.

d)                  A statement signed by both the Trustee and the property owner attesting to the condition of the property at the time the agreement is made.

e)                  A statement that encumbered money may be used to pay the cost of : {1}verified damages, normal wear excluded, caused by the tenant poor relief recipient during the duration of the agreement (the Township shall not be responsible for damages caused by pets, or damages caused by individuals not listed as members of the applicant's household as contained on the Affidavit/Application for Poor Relief-PR1); and {2} any unpaid rental payments for which the tenant poor relief recipient is obligated.

 

2.30.20  TRANSITIONAL HOUSING  - Wayne Township will pay a maximum of $200.00 for one month at an approved transitional housing facility.  If further assistance is necessary, the client will be referred to a Wayne Township Emergency Shelter Program until the client becomes self-supporting or fails to comply with Wayne Township procedures and guidelines.   (IC 12-20-13-1)  In an emergency situation, where applicants are without shelter, the Trustee shall refer applicants to whatever shelter is available. The Trustee will not consider shelter assistance when the landlord resides in the transitional housing facility.

2.40.00  UTILITY SERVICE AND/OR HEATING FUELS -  The Trustee may, in cases of necessity, authorize the payment of water, gas or fuels used for heating or cooking and electric services; including the payment of delinquent bills for such services, when necessary to prevent disconnection or to restore terminated services.  There are, however, some limitations:  (IC 12-20-16-3)

 

1)      The Township will only consider assistance with actual utility service used (no deposits, trip charges, reconnection fees).

2)      The utility service must be in the name of an adult member of the requesting household or landlord.

3)      The Township will not pay for illegally secured utility service, such as placing the service in the name of a child or tampering with a utility meter.

4)      The Township will not consider the payment of utility bills if such aid requested would pay for services provided to or for the benefit of the individual or household during a period that the individual or household had previously applied for and been denied Township poor relief.  (IC 12-20-6-6.6)

5)      The Township will not consider the payment of "master metered" utility service when more than one household is served by the same meter, or for any time period when the household was not financially eligible for assistance.

6)      The Township will not consider the payment of estimated utility bills or bills twenty-four (24) months and older.

7)      The Township will not pay or consider the payment of utility bills, during the period the state's energy assistance program is in effect, until after the state's energy assistance is credited to the applicant's account.

2.40.01  ENERGY PROGRAMS - During the part of the year when applications for assistance are accepted by the state's Energy Assistance Program, the Township will not provide assistance or make any part of a payment for heating fuel or electric services for more than thirty (30) days unless the individual files an application for assistance, and shows evidence of this application, for heating fuel or electric services.  The Trustee will either refer the applicant to the state's Energy Assistance Program, or the Trustee may certify the poor relief applicant as eligible using the criteria established for this purpose by the state.  The certification shall be on an application form prescribed by the Indiana State Board of Accounts.  The Trustee will neither certify nor process Energy Assistance applications for non-poor relief applicants.  (IC 12-20-16-3 (d))